Kalinaw News: 25 FRs in Himamaylan receive cash aid through City Task Force-ELCAC

From Kalinaw News (Feb 15. 2023): 25 FRs in Himamaylan receive cash aid through City Task Force-ELCAC

CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental – A total of Twenty-Five (25) former rebels received P10,000.00 pesos each of financial assistance from the City Task Force ELCAC, CSWDO and LGU of Himamaylan City in a simple ceremony held at the City Hall of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on February 14, 2023.

The implementation of the Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of DSWD, through the LGU of Himamaylan City intends to provide immediate support to the families affected by the local armed conflict who are displaced from their homes. Through this intervention, the former rebels received P10,000 each as capital in starting a small business to sustain their daily needs while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits are being processed. Through its Social Welfare and Development Office, the Himamaylan City government and the City TF-ELCAC also distributed hygiene kits, family kits, and sleeping and kitchen kits to 25 FRs.

Himamaylan City Mayor Hon. Rogelio Tongson Jr graced the distribution of aid to FRs.

Members of the City Council, Mr. Wendell John Vallejera Executive Assistant, 303rd Brigade Commander Colonel Edgardo Edralin, 94IB Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Van Donald Almonte, Himamaylan City Deputy Chief of Police Major Randy Babor, Social Welfare and Development Officer Mrs. Ever Grace T Castro, and Mr Raymund Titong, Anchor Man of 100.5 CPSU Radyo Mascovado Sweet FM were also present during the activity.

In his message, Colonel Edralin lauded the unwavering support of the 94IB to former rebels and congratulated the former rebels for making the right decision in returning to the folds of the law. He stressed that they were just victims of the propaganda lies and deceptive recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“The financial assistance extended by the local government unit and the City TF-ELCAC is solid proof that the Himamaylan LGU is sincere in its commitment to allow former rebels to start anew, reintegrate with the community, be able to live normal lives again and be united with their families and love ones. I also urge the former FRs to help us convince the remaining NPAs to return to the law’s folds and be with their families. The awarding of this financial and additional assistance is just one of the many future endeavours of the local government, and I thank the Himamaylan LGU for supporting the whole-of-nation approach to reduce and eradicate the insurgency in Central Negros. The Army strongly supports this initiative, and we welcome those who want to lay down their arms,” Colonel Edralin said.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/25-frs-in-himamaylan-receive-cash-aid-through-city-task-force-elcac/